-also known in Chinese as Jìngtǔzōng, and Jōdoshū (in Vietnam).
-also known as Amidism
-devotion and faith-oriented Buddhism, currently one of the most dominant Buddhism schools in East Asia.
-**KEY CONCEPT: Nirvana is hard to reach by oneself and one's meditation practices; therefore, by being devoted to Amitbha, they will earn their way to be reborn in the Pure Land.
Amitābha Buddha
Basic Outline of History
-began in India around the 2nd century B.C.E., spread to China during 2nd century C.E.
-spread other East Asian countries (such as Japan and Korea).
-today, the dominant Buddhism school in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.
Essence
-fundamentals of Buddhist teachings:
Four Noble Truths
Eightfold Paths.
-final goal of Pure Land Buddhists:
to be able to reborn in “Amitabha’s Pure Land."
-> more favorable surroundings, presence of Amitabha, enlightenment
-> "Pure Land" - a perfect world, given to the humans by Amitabha for being faithful.
-the main, distinctive practice: recitation of the name of Amitabha.
----> "Na-mu A-mi-to Fo" (it means "Hail, Amida Buddha").
-----> when chanted with whole-mindedness and sincerity, it's kind of a meditation, helps them visualize Amitabha.
-----> it is a way to show gratitude towards Amitabha, it doesn't guarantee people's rebirth in the Pure Land.
Sitting Buddha
Texts
Three main principles: Three Sutras of Pure Land.
1. Amitabha: describes the Pure Land of Buddha
2. Amitayus: former life of Amitabha
2. Contemplation: the method of meditation -> practitioners can be reborn in to "Pure Land."
Three Branches of Pure Land Sect in China
Lu Shan: founded during the Eastern CHinese Dynasty, by Hui Yuan.
implemented the practice of reciting Buddha's name by forming the "White Lotus Society," which represented “Amitabha’s Pure Land.”
Tan Luan: he met a Buddhist monk, learned the text of the Pure Land sect; focused on rebirth of Pure Land of Amitabha; the practice of reciting, chanting and meditating the name of Amitabha comes from this religion.
Tzu min: established by Tzu Min and was the first to harmonize the Pure Land and the Chan teachings.
PURE LAND BUDDHISM
video
-also known in Chinese as Jìngtǔzōng, and Jōdoshū (in Vietnam).
-also known as Amidism
-devotion and faith-oriented Buddhism, currently one of the most dominant Buddhism schools in East Asia.
-**KEY CONCEPT: Nirvana is hard to reach by oneself and one's meditation practices; therefore, by being devoted to Amitbha, they will earn their way to be reborn in the Pure Land.
Basic Outline of History
-began in India around the 2nd century B.C.E., spread to China during 2nd century C.E.
-spread other East Asian countries (such as Japan and Korea).
-today, the dominant Buddhism school in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.
Essence
-fundamentals of Buddhist teachings:
Four Noble Truths
Eightfold Paths.
-final goal of Pure Land Buddhists:
to be able to reborn in “Amitabha’s Pure Land."
-> more favorable surroundings, presence of Amitabha, enlightenment
-> "Pure Land" - a perfect world, given to the humans by Amitabha for being faithful.
-the main, distinctive practice: recitation of the name of Amitabha.
----> "Na-mu A-mi-to Fo" (it means "Hail, Amida Buddha").
-----> when chanted with whole-mindedness and sincerity, it's kind of a meditation, helps them visualize Amitabha.
-----> it is a way to show gratitude towards Amitabha, it doesn't guarantee people's rebirth in the Pure Land.
Texts
Three main principles: Three Sutras of Pure Land.
1. Amitabha: describes the Pure Land of Buddha
2. Amitayus: former life of Amitabha
2. Contemplation: the method of meditation -> practitioners can be reborn in to "Pure Land."
Three Branches of Pure Land Sect in China
Lu Shan: founded during the Eastern CHinese Dynasty, by Hui Yuan.
implemented the practice of reciting Buddha's name by forming the "White Lotus Society," which represented “Amitabha’s Pure Land.”
Tan Luan: he met a Buddhist monk, learned the text of the Pure Land sect; focused on rebirth of Pure Land of Amitabha; the practice of reciting, chanting and meditating the name of Amitabha comes from this religion.
Tzu min: established by Tzu Min and was the first to harmonize the Pure Land and the Chan teachings.
Citations
"BBC - Religions - Buddhism: Pure Land Buddhism." BBC - Homepage. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/pureland_1.shtml#h1>.
"Jodo Shinshu Buddhism." Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http://www.nishihongwanji-la.org/church/buddhism/jodo_shinshu.html>.
Comments, PuFa 2. "Introduction to Pure Land Buddhism." AMiTuoFo 阿彌陀佛. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. <http://www.amituofo.com/introduction-to-pure-land-buddhism/>.
"Buddhism in a Nutshell - Chap 85." 佛門網 ：開啟佛教大門 - 貼近社會、緊扣生活、深入心靈. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.buddhistdoor.com/oldweb/bdoor/archive/nutshell/teach85.htm>.
"Amidism/Pure Land Buddhism — Buddha World." ТАМ КУИ - древнее вьетнамское боевое искусство. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. <http://www.tamqui.com/buddhaworld/Amidism/Pure_Land_Buddhism>.
"Pure Land Buddhism." Home Page. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. <http://www.thaiexotictreasures.com/pure_land_buddhism.html>.
Pure Land Buddhism. Digital image. Ocultural China. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. <http://history.cultural-china.com/en/164H9792H13778.html>.
Amitabha Buddha. Digital image. Jan.-Feb. 2011. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.
Digital image. Buddha Forum. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.
The Buddha Amitabha. Digital image. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http://www.tamqui.com/buddhaworld/Amidism/Pure_Land_Buddhism>.
Statue of Amtabha Buddha. Digital image. Ask.Com. Web. <http://www.ask.com/wiki/Amidism>.